Except that under the terms of the new CBA, this gets a bit more complicated. If Paul were to agree to an extend-and-trade with the Celtics, he would be limited to just a three-year extension, only two after his option year next year. That's a remarkably short contract for a player battling a knee issue looking for the big pay-off contract. If he were to be traded to Boston, he would have to wait six months to sign the full extension, which is only for four years. Conversely, if Paul were to enter free agency, whatever team he was playing for athe end of the season would have his Bird rights and could re-sign him to a five-year contract, the most he can get. Any other team, like, say, the New York Knicks (since their acquisition of him during the season is unlikely), would be able to sign him to a four-year deal. In short. signing an extension now makes zero sense.

But at the same time, we have a precedent set, and that precedent does not bode well for the Celtics. When Carmelo Anthony launched his covert (OK, it was louder than a C-130) plan to get to New York last year, the Nets were interested. And maintained interest. And kept pitching. But early on, reports surfaced that Anthony would not sign an extension with the Nets. They kept trying and trying, but Anthony maintained that the only team he'd sign an extension with was the Knicks. Eventually, that's where he was traded.

Now we have reports saying Paul wants to go to New York, and the Celtics trying to talk him into coming to Boston, including trying to acquire more assets to help a deal along. And now there's a report early on that Paul won't sign an extension there. Boston is, in no way, New Jersey, but the pattern is still alarmingly similar. Might be time for the Celtics to go back to their usual line of "We love Rondo, we'd never trade him," despite all indications to the contrary.

Report: Paul won't sign extension with Celtics

The Knicks are heading in the wrong direction and fast. Spending max money on Amar'e who matched his career high in MPG gave them his worst FG% since 03-04 (2nd year in the league), his 2nd lowest RPG in his career was non exsistant in the playoffs and does not play any D. In addition to this his is 29 and has a history of injuries. Add to this Mello who plays no D. Are they adding CP3 for D? He is the only one who seems to have the ability to provide it on that team. Coach Mike did wonders in Phoenix running the same type of game and look how many championships they have to show for it. New York will qucikly become cash strapped and have to fill in with second rate player to complete a roster. The East is not a run and gun conference. They actually play some D. Don't believe it? Look at the Eastern Conference finals teams from last year Miami & Chicago. 2 great defensive teams. This is going to end poorly for the Knicks and I will enjoy every minute of it.

Since: Nov 7, 2008

Posted on: November 30, 2011 1:08 pm

Report: Paul won't sign extension with Celtics

He just wants to go somewhere where he can build up his "brand" name. He couldn't care less about winning. As a poster stated, this would be a horrible team, with three people that require the ball on the court at the same time.

I hope they land him so that the Knicks can once again be doormats stuck with albatross contracts. And as other posters stated, his knees are only gonna get worse, so are you getting a top 2 PG or Iverson at the end of his career?

Since: Sep 19, 2011

Posted on: November 30, 2011 12:59 pm

Report: Paul won't sign extension with Celtics

A few reasons why CP3 would be an idiot to sign an extension in Boston:

-He would only really be extended a year or two past his current contract basically giving up his current opt out clause since he still technically has a few years left on this one now.

-The immediate future of the Celtics is grim at best! KG and Allen are on the wrong side of 35 and PP is close to joining them. Although all are sure fire Hall of Famers, Father Time is undefeated! He wouldnt want to go to a team whose title window realistically closed when they traded Perkins for Green. Perkins wasnt dominant by any means but he allowed them to have an advantage over Miami. Now they have Jermaine Oneal as their only 5 man and if he does 4 pushups he is hurt. CP3 wants no parts of that.

-The paycut he will take by waiting for free agency and signing with the knicks will be more than made up for in endoresement money.

-As much as it pains me to say this, You cant beat Miami(who will win the east for the foreseeable future) without a Big 3 who can match/exceed what they do. Yes STAT doesnt rebound well but honestly Bosh doesnt either but STAT will go hard on offense and try on D(although he is sorely lacking) and that will cancel out Bosh, Melo can score with Bron and isnt afraid to step up in big moments, D Wade will win a matchup with Landry Fields but he will earn everything because, quietly, Fields is tough and plays pretty solid defense. CP3 will destroy whoever the Heat put at the point. Its either going to take another young Big 3 or another 7 foot german with a high release from 30 feet and a complete offensive game backed up by a solid zone to beat the Heat.

If he wants a chance at a ring(and its slight) he wont end up in Boston. Sorry C's fans.

Since: Sep 30, 2011

Posted on: November 30, 2011 12:53 pm

Report: Paul won't sign extension with Celtics

CP3 to the Knicks to be with Melo and Amare? So what is the Knicks strategy, to be the Phoenix Suns of the east? Packing those 3 guys on the same team gives you guys that can score, but do not play a lick of defense. CP3 may be a coveted guard to have in the league, but with bad knees, who knows what he has left. The Knicks will make a strong play for him and may land him, what it produces in the win column is anyone's guess......I bet it turns out to be a big flop.

Since: Nov 30, 2011

Posted on: November 30, 2011 12:39 pm

Report: Paul won't sign extension with Celtics

Rondo can't shoot an open jumpshot as evident in last year's formation vs. Rondo= Leave Rondo for the open jumpshot, he misses most of the time. When Rondo can knock down an open jumpshot, consistenly, then he can be considered an elite PG. Right now he is a fantastic distributor and slasher, but still needs work on his jumpshot.

Since: Nov 30, 2011

Posted on: November 30, 2011 12:37 pm

Report: Paul won't sign extension with Celtics

Chris Paul won't sign an extention if traded to the Celtics. KG's contract ends after this season and who knows how much he has left in him. Ray Allen's contract is up as well. It would have been a good idea 3 years ago, but the Celtics have changed and the East is getting younger and stronger.

Since: Feb 25, 2008

Posted on: November 30, 2011 12:37 pm

Report: Paul won't sign extension with Celtics

The knicks can have Paul- players go to New York and watch there careers fade. New York will never win a championship in my life time and im excited to watch them fail year after year..,

Since: Feb 19, 2008

Posted on: November 30, 2011 12:33 pm

Report: Paul won't sign extension with Celtics

Why on earth would you want to trade Rondo for Paul?

Last season Paul averaged 16 poins a game, with 9 assists. Rondo averaged 10 points a game with 11 assists. That's a difference of only 2 points a game. Rondo is a much better defender than Paul, and he's a lot faster. Rondo is one of the most popular players on the Celtics, why bring in someone who probably isn't as charasmatic, and replace someone who the other players obvsiosly really like?

Rondo can score if he wants to, but that's not his focus. He is one of the best ball distributors that has played in a long time, he has incredible court vision, and always knows where his teammates are. Why replace a player who opens up the whole court, and gets more guys involved for a more one-dimensional player?

This is nothing against Paul. I do think he's a great player, but no way would I trade Rondo for him. What is the most important job of a Point Guard - scoring? No, it's controling the flow of the game, and getting other players involved and playing their best - the way Rondo does so well.

If the C's were looking to trade one of the big three, I could understand that. They are past their prime, and although they can still play, they have very limited time left. Rondo still has many, many years of great ball left in him.

Pesonally I think they should trade Ainge, and keep Rondo.

Since: Jan 13, 2011

Posted on: November 30, 2011 12:21 pm

Report: Paul won't sign extension with Celtics

Damn, that didn't take long. All they talked about was getting back to the "game" and thanks for the "patience". Now they're right back where they were, talking $$$. Somewhere in all this NBA mess there is fantastic "GAME" that's not being played. Somebody please introduce the NBA and it's players to "BASKETBALL"!!!

Since: Jul 8, 2010

Posted on: November 30, 2011 12:12 pm

Report: Paul won't sign extension with Celtics

Chris Paul has to be an absolute moron for not accepting a sign and trade to the Celtics. For starters they offer a better chance of winning an NBA title than the Knicks. Even if he goes to the Knicks they still have no one on the roster that can rebound or play defense. LAt time I checked those are 2 major factors in winning a title. For a guy with a bad knee he is taking a major risk waiting this thing out.